Donald Trump is stepping in to help bring an end to professional golf’s civil war.
In a statement on Thursday, the PGA Tour said it was “closer to a deal” with rival series LIV Golf after both sides requested that Trump help mediate the situation.
“We know golf fans are eagerly anticipating a resolution to negotiations with the Public Investment Fund and want to thank President Trump for his interest and long-time support of the game of golf,” read the statement which came from PGA Tour Chairman Jay Monahan, player director Scott and 15-time major winner Tiger Woods.
“We asked the President to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country, and for all the countries involved.”
“We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf.”
JUST IN: PGA says President Trump mediated talks between Saudi Arabia’s LIV league & the TOUR
“We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal.” pic.twitter.com/pNoViltP7N
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 6, 2025
LIV Golf launched in 2022 with the backing of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), attracting several world-class players from the PGA Tour with massive signing bonuses and prize money.
However, players who joined the LIV Tour are currently prohibited from competing in PGA Tour events, with the exception of the four majors.
Notable defections to the tour included DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Ian Poulter, and Sergio Garcia.
In June 2023, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour revealed a framework agreement for a merger between the two sides, but the deal’s deadline expired at the end of the year without completion.
On Wednesday, it was announced that this year’s U.S. Open will be the first major tournament to grant LIV Golf players exemptions based on their rankings.
Trump is famous for his love of golf and is still achieving impressively low scores at the age of 78.
Last year, he participated in a video with U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau.
It was an honor hosting 2X U.S. Open Champion @b_dechambeau at the iconic @TrumpBedminster for his series, Break 50.
Featuring @realDonaldTrump, this video showcases Bryson and President Trump’s attempt to break 50 from the red tees—a challenge that has yet to be conquered.… pic.twitter.com/AGDtR7MO7G
— Trump Golf (@TrumpGolf) July 23, 2024
DeChaumbeau later attended Trump’s election night party at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump thanked him during his victory speech.
